Redshifted Fe Kα line from the unusual γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904

C. Müller, F. Krauß, T. Dauser, A. Kreikenbohm, T. Beuchert, M. Kadler, R. Ojha, J. Wilms, M. Böck, B. Carpenter, M. Dutka, A. Markowitz, W. McConville, K. Pottschmidt, Ł. Stawarz and G. B. Taylor, Redshifted Fe Kα line from the unusual γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904, A&A, 574 (2015) A117 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201425442

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Abstract

Context. Multiwavelength observations have revealed the highly unusual properties of the γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904, which are difficult to reconcile with any other well-established γ-ray source class. The object is either a very atypical blazar or a compact jet source seen at a larger angle to the line of sight. Aims. To determine the physical origin of the high-energy emission processes in PMN J1603–4904, we study the X-ray spectrum in detail. Methods. We performed quasi-simultaneous X-ray observations with XMM-Newton and Suzaku in 2013 September. This resulted in the first high signal-to-noise X-ray spectrum of this source. Results. The 2–10 keV X-ray spectrum can be well described by an absorbed power law with an emission line at 5.44 ± 0.05 keV (observed frame). We interpret this feature as a Kα line from neutral iron and accordingly determine the redshift of PMN J1603–4904 to be z = 0.18 ± 0.01, which corresponds to a luminosity distance of 872 ± 54 Mpc. Conclusions. The detection of a redshifted X-ray emission line further challenges the original BL Lac classification of PMN J1603–4904. This result suggests that the source is observed at a larger angle to the line of sight than expected for blazars, and thus the source would add to the elusive class of γ-ray loud misaligned-jet objects, possibly a γ-ray bright young radio galaxy.

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Redshifted Fe Kα line from the unusual γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904

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